The Carpenter's Union

The stone memorials are being set up. Memorials built by the 12 men for all to see and by Joshua for only God to see. The significance of one of these memorials is meant to be a public attribute to remind all the Israelites of the great things God did. The other signifies a promise made by God, a promise that does not depend on the Israelites. Ultimately, these 12 stones are a sign to all. A sign of unity. And from this unity flows a stream of love that tells the whole world that there is something special and unique about this God that we all serve. He gives us hearts of hope. He empowers us to take steps of faith. And He fills us limitless amounts of LOVE! 1) What disunity exists in your life? 2) What steps need to be taken to mend these gaps? 3) Why is is difficult to Love people unconditionally? 4) How does one reset their ability to love?

Carpenter's Union Wednesday Work Bench is a mid-week word of encouragement sighting key points that were shared in last week's lesson.

Monuments and memorials are a common thing in human existence. These are meant to honor people or events. We need these things to help us remember because people so easily forget things. As we continue in Joshua chapter 4, we will see how Joshua instructs 12 Israelite men to take one stone each from the dried up Jordan River bed. With these stones, they would soon be building a memorial to commemorate this miraculous event. An event that will be taught to their children in the years to come. Some application questions to consider. 1) Can you recall a great memory of God working in your life as a believer? 2) When was the last time you shared that story with someone 3) How do you or how would you instruct your children in the ways of God and the teachings of the Bible.

Carpenter's Union Wednesday Work Bench is a mid-week word of encouragement sighting key points that were shared in last week's lesson.

The Jordan River is overflowing its' banks. The command to move out has been given. 2 to 3 million people are to cross the raging River. But how? Well, Joshua tells the people what God has told Him..."as soon as you feet touch the water, the water will part". It will take a step of faith to accomplish this task. Much like it takes faith in God to work out details behind the scenes on our behalf. Questions to consider. 1)Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? 2) Are you the type of person to ask God to part the water first and then you'll proceed? 3) Do we come and listen intently when the Word of God is taught to us?

Carpenter's Union Wednesday Work Bench is a mid-week word of encouragement sighting key points that were shared in last week's lesson.

The Israelites are about to step into the the Jordan River and cross over into the promised land. But, before that occurs they are commanded to purify themselves, first. After 3 days, when they see the priests take up the Ark and begin to move, they are to pursue after them. But, they are instructed to keep a good distance behind the Ark (a symbol of the presence of God). Well, as we know by now, there is a great overlap of these events and principles to Christian living. Before we are baptized by the power of the Holy Spirit for service, we must purify ourselves, first. And when we see God moving in our lives we are to follow after Him. But, we must let God lead because (like the Israelites) we have never been down this path before. Questions to consider: 1) How do you recognize God's presence and movements in your life? 2) What does leading God versus Him leading you look like? 3) What does stagnant (methodical) service for God look like? 4) What steps can be taken to purify ones self?

In this last episode in the teachings through Joshua chapter 2; some extraordinary tidbits are shared about some paraphernalia that was used during this important engagement between Rahab and the two spies. You will soon see how these items are remarkable pictures and types of the priestly and messianic attributes of Jesus our Lord.

Rehab had a awesome conversion. But there is more substance to her story beyond her dramatic conversion. Some how God moved this prostitute and liar to an elevated status alongside famous Old Testament figures of faith. In the light of her flaws, how can this be? Will our worthlessness be transformed to something worthy too? Questions to consider for this teaching: 1) Rahab is a liar! Does that bother you? 2) If you have a sour attitude or heart should you avoid doing good deeds? 3) Rahab is commended by God in the New Testament. How does that affect you? 4) Seeing that Jesus extracts the precious from the worthless; how can you apply the same concept to people you know?

The two spies sent by Joshua were more like messengers. And they brought a critical message to a special lady. A lady with a questionable background and in need of rescue. Her name was Rahab. And her simple belief in how to be rescued (to be saved) is such a great picture of how people come to faith in Christ. God's word is filled with pictures and typologies that serve to reinforce our faith. What an awesome God we serve! Questions to consider in this study: 1) Can someone be so evil that they would be disqualified from God's grace and mercy? 2) How can we cultivate a heart that is less condemning and judgemental? 3) How would you describe your faith - Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, or a mixture of all of them 4) How can you use the Rahab rehab process in your testimony, your witness?